CA1068772A - Inductive spark ignition for combustion engine - Google Patents
Inductive spark ignition for combustion engineInfo
- Publication number
- CA1068772A CA1068772A CA260,972A CA260972A CA1068772A CA 1068772 A CA1068772 A CA 1068772A CA 260972 A CA260972 A CA 260972A CA 1068772 A CA1068772 A CA 1068772A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- switching means
- current
- circuit
- transistor
- ignition system
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
- F02P3/00—Other installations
- F02P3/02—Other installations having inductive energy storage, e.g. arrangements of induction coils
- F02P3/04—Layout of circuits
- F02P3/05—Layout of circuits for control of the magnitude of the current in the ignition coil
- F02P3/051—Opening or closing the primary coil circuit with semiconductor devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
- F02P15/00—Electric spark ignition having characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F02P1/00 - F02P13/00 and combined with layout of ignition circuits
- F02P15/001—Ignition installations adapted to specific engine types
- F02P15/003—Layout of ignition circuits for gas turbine plants
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
- F02P15/00—Electric spark ignition having characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F02P1/00 - F02P13/00 and combined with layout of ignition circuits
- F02P15/10—Electric spark ignition having characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F02P1/00 - F02P13/00 and combined with layout of ignition circuits having continuous electric sparks
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
- F02P3/00—Other installations
- F02P3/02—Other installations having inductive energy storage, e.g. arrangements of induction coils
- F02P3/04—Layout of circuits
- F02P3/0407—Opening or closing the primary coil circuit with electronic switching means
- F02P3/0435—Opening or closing the primary coil circuit with electronic switching means with semiconductor devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
- F02P3/00—Other installations
- F02P3/02—Other installations having inductive energy storage, e.g. arrangements of induction coils
- F02P3/04—Layout of circuits
- F02P3/055—Layout of circuits with protective means to prevent damage to the circuit, e.g. semiconductor devices or the ignition coil
- F02P3/0552—Opening or closing the primary coil circuit with semiconductor devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
- F02P9/00—Electric spark ignition control, not otherwise provided for
- F02P9/002—Control of spark intensity, intensifying, lengthening, suppression
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Ignition Installations For Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)
Abstract
INDUCTIVE SPARK IGNITION FOR COMBUSTION
ENGINE
Paul Albert Blackington R. D. 1 Box 219 Afton, New York 13730 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An inductive spark ignition system for a gas turbine engine in which the switching semicondcutor and other components are protected from failure under igniter plug load conditions. The ignition system includes means for positively turning off the switching semiconductor to start a firing cycle and for insuring that the switching semiconductor remains nonconducting long enough to dissipate the energy in the firing circuit. A Darlington transistor is used for switching and means are provided for limiting voltage and current in the transistor pair.
ENGINE
Paul Albert Blackington R. D. 1 Box 219 Afton, New York 13730 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An inductive spark ignition system for a gas turbine engine in which the switching semicondcutor and other components are protected from failure under igniter plug load conditions. The ignition system includes means for positively turning off the switching semiconductor to start a firing cycle and for insuring that the switching semiconductor remains nonconducting long enough to dissipate the energy in the firing circuit. A Darlington transistor is used for switching and means are provided for limiting voltage and current in the transistor pair.
Description
10~ 772 The invention relates to an ignition system especially adapted for gas turbine engines and the like.
Background of the Inventio An ignition system for gas turbine engines is shown and described in U.S. Patent 3,731,143 issued May 1, 1973 and assigned to the same assignee as the present application. The ignition system described therein has a high energy output capability at low input voltage. While the circuit works well, there is a possibility of semiconductor failure under igniter load conditions, such as open circuit, short circuit and flame impingement.
Experience has shown that it is difficult to design satisfactory inductive ignition circuits using semiconductors which will operate under igniter plug load conditions mentioned above. Failures occur due to excessive junction temperatures generated during the igniter load variations.
In order to overcome this problem, U.S. Patent 3,835,350, issued September 10, 1974 and assigned to the same assignee as the present application, uses a capacitor in parallel with the spark discharge device connected across the secondary winding of the high voltage transformer so that in case of an open circuit across the spark discharge device the capacitor dissipates most of the energy in the secondary circuit instead of the energy being dissipated in the primary circuit with resultant damage to the switching semiconductor and other components therein. However, ywl/~ 2 -`~
10~7~72 the capacitor required for this purpose is expensive to manufacture and substantially increases the cost of the ignition circuit.
Summar of the Invention y The present invention relates to a high energy inductive spark ignition system which is relatively inexpensive and simple to manufacture and which includes circuit means in the primary circuit to protect the switching semiconductor and other components from failure under ignitor plug load conditions. The ignition system includes means for positively turning off the switching semiconductor to start a firing cycle and for insuring that the switching semiconductor remains nonconducting long enought to disslpate the energy in the firing circuit.
A transistor pair, such as a Darlington transistor, is used for switching and means are provided for limiting voltage and current in the transistor pair.
The invention contemplates an untimed ignition system having a high voltage transformer connected to an igniter plug, comprising first semiconductor switching means having an input and an output, the output connectlng the transformer to a voltage source for controlling current through the transformer for firing the igniter plug, second semiconductor switching means having an input and an output, the output connected to the input of the first semiconductor switching means for controlling current through the first semiconductor switching means, first circuit means connected between the output of first semiconductor switching means and the input of the second ~emiconductor switching means for operating the second switching means to positively turn off the first switching means at the start of an igniter plug firing period and in response to a signal from the out-put of the first switching means and second circuit means mb/JO - 3 -10ti,t377'~
having an input connected to the first switching means for sensing a predetermined voltage level across the first switching means and having an output connected directly to the input of the first switching means to positively maintain the first switching means turned off during igniter plug firing until energy in the firing circuit is dissipated.
Description of the Drawing The single Figure of the drawing shows a schematic diagram of an inductive spark ignition system constructed according to the invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention An ignition system for a gas turbine engine shown in the drawing and constructed according to the invention is powered from a low voltage D.C. source, such as the battery B of an automobile. An ignition switch Sl is connected to the positive terminal of the battery in series with a diode Dl and a capacitor Cl connected to the negative terminal of the battery. A high voltage transformer Tl has one end of its primary winding connected by a lead Ll to diode Dl and its secondary winding connected across an igniter gap Gl. The other end of primary windlng of transformer Tl is connected to a Darlington transistor pair Q4 connected by a resistor R6 and a ground lead L2 to the negative terminal of battery B. The emitter of a transistor Ql is connected by a resistor Rl to lead Ll and the collector of transistor Ql is connected by a lead L3 to the base of the transistor pair Q4 for controlling conduction of the transistor pair.
mb/~ - 4 -10~ 7~ Z
A pair of diodes D2 and D3 are connected between lead Ll and the base of transistor Ql for regulating current through transistor Ql and base-drive current to transistor pair Q4. A circuit including a capacitor C2 in parallel with a series connected resistor R2 and diodes D4 and DS is connected between the base of transistor Ql and the primary winding of transformer Tl by a lead L4 to sense the voltage on the primary winding and turn off transistor Ql, which positively turns off transistor pair Q4, at the start of a firing period.
Voltage across transistor pair Q4 is limited by a circuit which includes a diode D6, a Zener diode D7 and a resistor R4 connected in series between lead L4 and the base o~ a transistor Q2, having its collector connected to lead L3 and its emitter connected to ground lead L2. A
capacitor C3 is connected between lead L2 and the junction of resistor R4 and Zener diode D7. Capacitor C3 is charged when the voltage across the collector to emitter of transistor pair Q4 exceeds the threshold voltage of series connected diode D6 and Zener diode D7. Current then flows through resistor R4 and base to emitter of transistor Q2 causing transistor Q2 to conduct and divert base drive current from transistor pair Q4 so that transistor Q4 remains nonconducting until the voltage charge on capacitor C3 drops below the base to emitter voltage of transistor Q2.
Current in transistor pair Q4 is limited by a circuit including a transistor Q3 having its collector connected to lead L3 and its emitter connected to ground lead 12. The base of transistor Q3 is connected by a resistor R5 to the junction of the emitter of transistor pair Q4 and resistor R6. When the voltage across resistor R6 provides sufficient base drive current, transistor Q3 ywl/~ 5 -106~77Z
turns on and turns of~ transistor pair Q4 by decreasing the base drive current to transistor pair Q4.
Operation When switch Sl is closed, current flows from the positive terminal of battery ~ through diode Dl and charges capacitor Cl. Current also flows through resistor Rl, emitter to base of transistor Ql, resistors R2 and R3 to ground lead L2 and provides base current to turn on transistor Ql. Transistor Ql provides base current to turn on transistor pair Q4. A small current flows from the battery through diode Dl, lead Ll, primary winding of transformer Tl, collector to emitter of transistor pair Q4, resistor R6 and ground lead L2. When transistor pair Q4 turns "on", increased current flows from the positive terminal of battery B through diode Dl, resistor Rl, emitter to base of transistor Ql, resistor R2, diodes D4 and D5, collector to emitter of transistor pair Q4, resistor R6 and ground lead L2.
Capacitor C2 is charged to the voltage across resistor R2 and diodes D4 and D5.
Current from emitter to collector of transistor Ql increases and causes increased current flow in the base drive of transistor pair Q4 to support an increase in current flow from collector to emitter of the transistor pair and through the primary winding of transformer Tl.
Diodes D2 and D3, resistor Rl and emitter to base of transistor Ql form a constant current regulator. This arrangement regulates emitter to collector current in transistor Ql which in turn regulates base drive current and conductivity of transistor pair Q4.
Current through primary winding of transformer Tl increases to a peak current level determined by the inductance resistance ratio characteristics and the gain of transistor ywl/ ~
10~772 pair Q4. When the base current in transistor pair Q4 no longer supports increasing current through collector to emitter of transistor pair Q4 and primary winding of transformer Tl the current decreases and ~he collector to emitter voltage drop across transistor pair Q4 approaches the supply voltage and the charge on capacitor C2 back biases transistor Ql so that transistor Ql and transistor pair Q4 turn off very rapidly. A high voltage of about 100 volts or greater appears across primary winding of transformer Tl because of the high rate of change in current in the primary winding. The voltage across the primary winding of transformer Tl adds to the input voltage and the voltage across the secondary winding of transformer Tl is increased by transformer action to 12KV or higher. The voltage is sufficient to break down the igniter plug and a spark occurs across the gap.
To protect transistor pair Q4 from failure under igniter plug load conditions, diode D6 and Zener diode D7 provide for current flow from the primary winding of transformer Tl when the voltage across transistor pair Q4 exceeds the threshold voltage of diode D6 and Zener diode D7 to charge capacitor C3 and turn on transistor Q2 to maintain transistor pair Q4 nonconducting. ~hen the voltage decreases below the threshold voltage Zener diode D7 no longer conducts and transistor Q2 turns off when the voltage charge on capacitor C3 decreases to the base to emitter voltage of transistor Q2.
At the start of plug firing capacitor C2 turns off transistor Ql and this in turn turns off transistor pair Q4. Transistor Q2 while conducting maintains transistor pair Q4 nonconducting. This arrangement insures that transistor pair Q4 stays off during plug firing long enough to dissipate the energy from the high voltage transformer Tl to avoid damage to the transistor pair. Transistor Ql ywl/~ 7 -10~7~Z
again turns on and turns on transis-~or Q4 as described above to begin another firing cycle.
The ignition system constructed according to the invention has means to positively turn off transistor pair Q4 at the start of plug ~iring. This is done by the charge on capacitor C2 turning off transistor Ql which turns off transistor pair Q4.
Means is also provided to limit the voltage across transistor pair Q4 and positively maintain transistor pair Q4 off during plug firing and long enough to dissipate the energy in the firing circuit. Transistor Q2 turns on when the voltage across transistor pair Q4 exceeds the threshold voltage across diode D6 and Zener diode D7 and maintains transistor pair Q4 nonconducting.
Means are provided to limit the current in transistor pair Q4. When the current in transistor pair Q4 attains a predetermined limit the voltage across resistor R6 is sufficient to provide base drive current to turn on transistor Q3 and turn off transistor pair Q4.
In one embodiment of the invention the components used have the values or were of the types indicated below:
Rl - 12 Q Dl - MR 752 Motorola, Inc.
R2 - 4300Q D2, D3, D4, D5, D6 R3 - 33000Q lN4004 Texas Instrument Inc.
R4 - 1200Q D7 - IN 5381 Motorola, Inc.
R5 - 390Q Ql - TIP 30A Texas Instrument,Inc.
R6 - .16Q Q2, Q3 - 2 N 706 Motorola, Inc.
Cl - 100~F Q4 - TIP lÇ0 Texas Inst. Inc.
C2 - .02~F Tl - 10-397252 - Transformer C3 - .68~F with 250 Primary Turns 16,500 Secondary turns Essex Intemational Inc. Kenton, Ohio ywl/f~' - 8 -10~77Z
The high ~nergy inductive spark ignition system is especially adapted for use in gas turbine engines and is relatively inexpensive and simple to manufacture. The switching semiconductor components are protected from failure under igniter plug load conditions. The switching semi-conductor is positively turned off at the start of the firing cycle and continues to be turned off longer than is required to dissipate the energy in the firing circuit. Means are also provided fo~ limiting voltage and current in the switching semiconductor.
ywl/~ 9
Background of the Inventio An ignition system for gas turbine engines is shown and described in U.S. Patent 3,731,143 issued May 1, 1973 and assigned to the same assignee as the present application. The ignition system described therein has a high energy output capability at low input voltage. While the circuit works well, there is a possibility of semiconductor failure under igniter load conditions, such as open circuit, short circuit and flame impingement.
Experience has shown that it is difficult to design satisfactory inductive ignition circuits using semiconductors which will operate under igniter plug load conditions mentioned above. Failures occur due to excessive junction temperatures generated during the igniter load variations.
In order to overcome this problem, U.S. Patent 3,835,350, issued September 10, 1974 and assigned to the same assignee as the present application, uses a capacitor in parallel with the spark discharge device connected across the secondary winding of the high voltage transformer so that in case of an open circuit across the spark discharge device the capacitor dissipates most of the energy in the secondary circuit instead of the energy being dissipated in the primary circuit with resultant damage to the switching semiconductor and other components therein. However, ywl/~ 2 -`~
10~7~72 the capacitor required for this purpose is expensive to manufacture and substantially increases the cost of the ignition circuit.
Summar of the Invention y The present invention relates to a high energy inductive spark ignition system which is relatively inexpensive and simple to manufacture and which includes circuit means in the primary circuit to protect the switching semiconductor and other components from failure under ignitor plug load conditions. The ignition system includes means for positively turning off the switching semiconductor to start a firing cycle and for insuring that the switching semiconductor remains nonconducting long enought to disslpate the energy in the firing circuit.
A transistor pair, such as a Darlington transistor, is used for switching and means are provided for limiting voltage and current in the transistor pair.
The invention contemplates an untimed ignition system having a high voltage transformer connected to an igniter plug, comprising first semiconductor switching means having an input and an output, the output connectlng the transformer to a voltage source for controlling current through the transformer for firing the igniter plug, second semiconductor switching means having an input and an output, the output connected to the input of the first semiconductor switching means for controlling current through the first semiconductor switching means, first circuit means connected between the output of first semiconductor switching means and the input of the second ~emiconductor switching means for operating the second switching means to positively turn off the first switching means at the start of an igniter plug firing period and in response to a signal from the out-put of the first switching means and second circuit means mb/JO - 3 -10ti,t377'~
having an input connected to the first switching means for sensing a predetermined voltage level across the first switching means and having an output connected directly to the input of the first switching means to positively maintain the first switching means turned off during igniter plug firing until energy in the firing circuit is dissipated.
Description of the Drawing The single Figure of the drawing shows a schematic diagram of an inductive spark ignition system constructed according to the invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention An ignition system for a gas turbine engine shown in the drawing and constructed according to the invention is powered from a low voltage D.C. source, such as the battery B of an automobile. An ignition switch Sl is connected to the positive terminal of the battery in series with a diode Dl and a capacitor Cl connected to the negative terminal of the battery. A high voltage transformer Tl has one end of its primary winding connected by a lead Ll to diode Dl and its secondary winding connected across an igniter gap Gl. The other end of primary windlng of transformer Tl is connected to a Darlington transistor pair Q4 connected by a resistor R6 and a ground lead L2 to the negative terminal of battery B. The emitter of a transistor Ql is connected by a resistor Rl to lead Ll and the collector of transistor Ql is connected by a lead L3 to the base of the transistor pair Q4 for controlling conduction of the transistor pair.
mb/~ - 4 -10~ 7~ Z
A pair of diodes D2 and D3 are connected between lead Ll and the base of transistor Ql for regulating current through transistor Ql and base-drive current to transistor pair Q4. A circuit including a capacitor C2 in parallel with a series connected resistor R2 and diodes D4 and DS is connected between the base of transistor Ql and the primary winding of transformer Tl by a lead L4 to sense the voltage on the primary winding and turn off transistor Ql, which positively turns off transistor pair Q4, at the start of a firing period.
Voltage across transistor pair Q4 is limited by a circuit which includes a diode D6, a Zener diode D7 and a resistor R4 connected in series between lead L4 and the base o~ a transistor Q2, having its collector connected to lead L3 and its emitter connected to ground lead L2. A
capacitor C3 is connected between lead L2 and the junction of resistor R4 and Zener diode D7. Capacitor C3 is charged when the voltage across the collector to emitter of transistor pair Q4 exceeds the threshold voltage of series connected diode D6 and Zener diode D7. Current then flows through resistor R4 and base to emitter of transistor Q2 causing transistor Q2 to conduct and divert base drive current from transistor pair Q4 so that transistor Q4 remains nonconducting until the voltage charge on capacitor C3 drops below the base to emitter voltage of transistor Q2.
Current in transistor pair Q4 is limited by a circuit including a transistor Q3 having its collector connected to lead L3 and its emitter connected to ground lead 12. The base of transistor Q3 is connected by a resistor R5 to the junction of the emitter of transistor pair Q4 and resistor R6. When the voltage across resistor R6 provides sufficient base drive current, transistor Q3 ywl/~ 5 -106~77Z
turns on and turns of~ transistor pair Q4 by decreasing the base drive current to transistor pair Q4.
Operation When switch Sl is closed, current flows from the positive terminal of battery ~ through diode Dl and charges capacitor Cl. Current also flows through resistor Rl, emitter to base of transistor Ql, resistors R2 and R3 to ground lead L2 and provides base current to turn on transistor Ql. Transistor Ql provides base current to turn on transistor pair Q4. A small current flows from the battery through diode Dl, lead Ll, primary winding of transformer Tl, collector to emitter of transistor pair Q4, resistor R6 and ground lead L2. When transistor pair Q4 turns "on", increased current flows from the positive terminal of battery B through diode Dl, resistor Rl, emitter to base of transistor Ql, resistor R2, diodes D4 and D5, collector to emitter of transistor pair Q4, resistor R6 and ground lead L2.
Capacitor C2 is charged to the voltage across resistor R2 and diodes D4 and D5.
Current from emitter to collector of transistor Ql increases and causes increased current flow in the base drive of transistor pair Q4 to support an increase in current flow from collector to emitter of the transistor pair and through the primary winding of transformer Tl.
Diodes D2 and D3, resistor Rl and emitter to base of transistor Ql form a constant current regulator. This arrangement regulates emitter to collector current in transistor Ql which in turn regulates base drive current and conductivity of transistor pair Q4.
Current through primary winding of transformer Tl increases to a peak current level determined by the inductance resistance ratio characteristics and the gain of transistor ywl/ ~
10~772 pair Q4. When the base current in transistor pair Q4 no longer supports increasing current through collector to emitter of transistor pair Q4 and primary winding of transformer Tl the current decreases and ~he collector to emitter voltage drop across transistor pair Q4 approaches the supply voltage and the charge on capacitor C2 back biases transistor Ql so that transistor Ql and transistor pair Q4 turn off very rapidly. A high voltage of about 100 volts or greater appears across primary winding of transformer Tl because of the high rate of change in current in the primary winding. The voltage across the primary winding of transformer Tl adds to the input voltage and the voltage across the secondary winding of transformer Tl is increased by transformer action to 12KV or higher. The voltage is sufficient to break down the igniter plug and a spark occurs across the gap.
To protect transistor pair Q4 from failure under igniter plug load conditions, diode D6 and Zener diode D7 provide for current flow from the primary winding of transformer Tl when the voltage across transistor pair Q4 exceeds the threshold voltage of diode D6 and Zener diode D7 to charge capacitor C3 and turn on transistor Q2 to maintain transistor pair Q4 nonconducting. ~hen the voltage decreases below the threshold voltage Zener diode D7 no longer conducts and transistor Q2 turns off when the voltage charge on capacitor C3 decreases to the base to emitter voltage of transistor Q2.
At the start of plug firing capacitor C2 turns off transistor Ql and this in turn turns off transistor pair Q4. Transistor Q2 while conducting maintains transistor pair Q4 nonconducting. This arrangement insures that transistor pair Q4 stays off during plug firing long enough to dissipate the energy from the high voltage transformer Tl to avoid damage to the transistor pair. Transistor Ql ywl/~ 7 -10~7~Z
again turns on and turns on transis-~or Q4 as described above to begin another firing cycle.
The ignition system constructed according to the invention has means to positively turn off transistor pair Q4 at the start of plug ~iring. This is done by the charge on capacitor C2 turning off transistor Ql which turns off transistor pair Q4.
Means is also provided to limit the voltage across transistor pair Q4 and positively maintain transistor pair Q4 off during plug firing and long enough to dissipate the energy in the firing circuit. Transistor Q2 turns on when the voltage across transistor pair Q4 exceeds the threshold voltage across diode D6 and Zener diode D7 and maintains transistor pair Q4 nonconducting.
Means are provided to limit the current in transistor pair Q4. When the current in transistor pair Q4 attains a predetermined limit the voltage across resistor R6 is sufficient to provide base drive current to turn on transistor Q3 and turn off transistor pair Q4.
In one embodiment of the invention the components used have the values or were of the types indicated below:
Rl - 12 Q Dl - MR 752 Motorola, Inc.
R2 - 4300Q D2, D3, D4, D5, D6 R3 - 33000Q lN4004 Texas Instrument Inc.
R4 - 1200Q D7 - IN 5381 Motorola, Inc.
R5 - 390Q Ql - TIP 30A Texas Instrument,Inc.
R6 - .16Q Q2, Q3 - 2 N 706 Motorola, Inc.
Cl - 100~F Q4 - TIP lÇ0 Texas Inst. Inc.
C2 - .02~F Tl - 10-397252 - Transformer C3 - .68~F with 250 Primary Turns 16,500 Secondary turns Essex Intemational Inc. Kenton, Ohio ywl/f~' - 8 -10~77Z
The high ~nergy inductive spark ignition system is especially adapted for use in gas turbine engines and is relatively inexpensive and simple to manufacture. The switching semiconductor components are protected from failure under igniter plug load conditions. The switching semi-conductor is positively turned off at the start of the firing cycle and continues to be turned off longer than is required to dissipate the energy in the firing circuit. Means are also provided fo~ limiting voltage and current in the switching semiconductor.
ywl/~ 9
Claims (9)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An untimed ignition system having a high voltage transformer connected to an igniter plug, comprising first semiconductor switching means having an input and an output, said output connecting the transformer to a voltage source for controlling current through the transformer for firing the igniter plug, second semiconductor switching means having an input and an output, said output connected to the input of the first semiconductor switching means for controlling current through the first semiconductor switching means, first circuit means connected between the output of first semiconductor switching means and the input of the second semiconductor switching means for operating the second switching means to positively turn off the first switching means at the start of an igniter plug firing period and in response to a signal from the output of the first switching means and second circuit means having an input connected to the first switching means for sensing a pre-determined voltage level across the first switching means and having an output connected directly to the input of the first switching means to positively maintain the first switching means turned off during igniter plug firing until energy in the firing circuit is dissipated.
2. An ignition system as described in claim 1 comprising third circuit means including at least one diode connected to the input of the second switching means for regulating current through the second switching means.
3. An ignition system as described in claim 1 comprising fourth circuit means connected to the input of the first switching means for sensing current flow through the first switching means to limit current through the first switching means.
4. An ignition system as described in claim 1 in which the first circuit means includes a capacitor connected in parallel with a resistor and diode means for back biasing the second switching means to rapidly turn off the first and second switching means when base current in the first switching means no longer supports increasing current through the transformer.
5. An ignition system as described in claim 1 in which the second circuit means include diode means for sensing a predetermined voltage level across the output of the first switching means, and third semiconductor switching means connected to the diode means and to the input of the first switching means and adapted to turn off the first switching means when the voltage across the first switching means exceeds the predetermined voltage level.
6. An ignition system as described in claim 2 in which second switching means is a transistor and the third circuit means includes diode means connected across the emitter base circuit of the transistor.
7. An ignition system as described in claim 3 in which the fourth circuit means has means for sensing current flow through the first switching means, and fourth semi-conductor switching means controlled by the current sensing means for limiting current through the input of the first switching means.
8. An ignition system as described in claim 7 in which the current sensing means is a resistor connected in series with the first switching means and the fourth switching means is a transistor connected across the base emitter circuit of the first switching means.
9. An ignition system as described in claim 1 in which the first switching means is a Darlington transistor.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/658,957 US4064415A (en) | 1976-02-18 | 1976-02-18 | Inductive spark ignition for combustion engine |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1068772A true CA1068772A (en) | 1979-12-25 |
Family
ID=24643444
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA260,972A Expired CA1068772A (en) | 1976-02-18 | 1976-09-10 | Inductive spark ignition for combustion engine |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4064415A (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS52100032A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1068772A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2703120A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2341971A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1515589A (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1077139B (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE2636945C2 (en) * | 1976-08-17 | 1984-08-23 | Robert Bosch Gmbh, 7000 Stuttgart | Ignition system for internal combustion engines with a magnetic generator |
| US4206736A (en) * | 1978-11-15 | 1980-06-10 | Gerry Martin E | High power AC ignition system |
| US4446843A (en) * | 1982-10-04 | 1984-05-08 | Motorola Inc. | Adaptive dwell ignition system |
| US5139004A (en) * | 1991-09-25 | 1992-08-18 | Delco Electronics Corporation | Ignition system for a spark ignited internal combustion engine |
| JP2796209B2 (en) * | 1992-01-17 | 1998-09-10 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Electronic distribution ignition device for internal combustion engine |
| US5347422A (en) * | 1992-09-09 | 1994-09-13 | Unison Industries Limited Partnership | Apparatus and method for an ignition system |
| DE19533637A1 (en) * | 1995-09-12 | 1997-03-13 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Ignition stage |
| JPH1077940A (en) * | 1996-09-03 | 1998-03-24 | Hitachi Ltd | Ignition device for internal combustion engine |
| SE542389C2 (en) * | 2018-09-04 | 2020-04-21 | Sem Ab | An ignition system and method controlling spark ignited combustion engines |
| RU207064U1 (en) * | 2021-05-28 | 2021-10-11 | Федеральное государственное казенное военное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Военный учебно-научный центр Военно-Морского Флота "Военно-морская академия им. Адмирала Флота Советского Союза Н.Г. Кузнецова" | SWITCHING TRANSISTOR DEVICE |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3219876A (en) * | 1961-09-21 | 1965-11-23 | Gen Motors Corp | Ignition system |
| US3531737A (en) * | 1968-04-24 | 1970-09-29 | Bendix Corp | Regulated power inverter circuit for ignition system or the like |
| US3666989A (en) * | 1969-04-03 | 1972-05-30 | Ford Motor Co | Ignition system supplying continuous source of sparks |
| GB1399458A (en) * | 1971-07-13 | 1975-07-02 | Cav Ltd | Drive circuits |
| US3731143A (en) * | 1972-02-25 | 1973-05-01 | Bendix Corp | Transistorized ignition system for gas turbine engines |
| GB1460731A (en) * | 1973-02-10 | 1977-01-06 | Lucas Electrical Ltd | Spark ignition systems for internal combustion engines |
| DE2339896B2 (en) * | 1973-08-07 | 1977-12-08 | Robert Bosch Gmbh, 7000 Stuttgart | IGNITION DEVICE FOR COMBUSTION MACHINERY |
| US3940658A (en) * | 1973-12-26 | 1976-02-24 | Superior Industries, Inc. | Electronic ignition control system |
-
1976
- 1976-02-18 US US05/658,957 patent/US4064415A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1976-09-10 CA CA260,972A patent/CA1068772A/en not_active Expired
- 1976-12-29 GB GB54250/76A patent/GB1515589A/en not_active Expired
-
1977
- 1977-01-26 DE DE19772703120 patent/DE2703120A1/en active Pending
- 1977-01-28 FR FR7702399A patent/FR2341971A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1977-02-07 JP JP1172477A patent/JPS52100032A/en active Pending
- 1977-02-17 IT IT20385/77A patent/IT1077139B/en active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| IT1077139B (en) | 1985-05-04 |
| JPS52100032A (en) | 1977-08-22 |
| US4064415A (en) | 1977-12-20 |
| FR2341971A1 (en) | 1977-09-16 |
| DE2703120A1 (en) | 1977-09-01 |
| GB1515589A (en) | 1978-06-28 |
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